INDUSTRY BRIEFING ON

LIGHTNING PROTECTION
SYSTEM

Presented By : Er Tan Keng Swee

Date : 16.8.19
Nos of Slides : 60
 Briefing Outline

1 Lightning Protection System (LPS)

2 Consequences Due to Late LPS Design Engagement

3 LPS Design - Good Practices

4 Circulars & TOP Submission – What need to be submitted for LPS?

5 SS555:2018

6 LPS Design

7 LPS Component Test (IEC 62561 series)

Part 1 : Lightning Protection System (LPS)

Lightning Protection System

1. Approved Document Clause L under Fifth Schedule Building

Control Regulation

2. SS555:2010 COP Protection Against Lightning Part 3 :

Physical Damage to Structures and Life Hazard

3. SS555:2018 COP Protection Against Lightning Part 3 :

Physical Damage to Structures and Life Hazard

Objective of Lightning Protection System is to

Picture from Dehn + SOHNE
 protect a building from the direct effects of a lightning
strike and
 protect its occupants from the risk of lightning current
being discharged through the building.

3
Part 1 : Adoption SS555: 2018

When is the effective date for building to comply with SS555:2018 COP
Protection Against Lightning?

 With effect from 1 May 2019, developments whose building plans are submitted on
or after this date must comply with the relevant requirements in SS555:2018 to
meet the objectives in the Clause L of the Fifth Schedule of Building Control
Regulation and

 For A&A Works in existing buildings, only LPS affected by the new works have to
comply with SS555:2018. However, as the new LPS will be connected to the
existing system, the design PE will be required to ensure, by conducting a site
survey, that the existing LPS is in good working conditions. Otherwise,
enhancement works would be required to be carried out for the existing LPS
before the connection.

4
Part 1 : Adoption SS555: 2018

Submission of Documents for TOP/CSC Application?

With effect from 1 May 2019, the following documents must be submitted during
TOP/CSC application :

 CSC 03 - “Certificate of Design & Supervision of Lightning Protection System”;

 Test Form - “Earth Resistance & Electrical Continuity Test Form”;
 LPS As-Built Plans and
 Photos of concealed LPS works

5
Part 1 : Adoption SS555: 2018

CSC 03

Note :
 Design & Supervision PE can be the same person.

6
Part 1 : Adoption SS555: 2018

Test Form
Resistance of
natural down
conductor
measure from roof
to Test Link

Earth Pit / Pile

Continuity Test
between 2 Test
Links

Overall
Resistance

7
Part 2 : Consequences Due to Late Engagement of PE(Elect)

FEEDBACK from PEs

1. PE (Design) & PE(Supervision) are often engaged too late, when the architectural design is firmed up
making changes difficult and costly.

2. Provision of LPS is limited by architectural design.

1. Developer 2. Architect
EARLY Design Engagement

1. Stakeholders – Developer, Architect, Electrical Engineer and Structural

Engineer 2. Electrical 4. Structural
Engr Engr

2. A fully integrated LPS design can be provided for buildings during design
development

Stakeholder Design Engagement

3. Design for Maintainability (Dfm) to allow proper access for inspection
and testing of LPS. LPS is recommended to be maintained regularly.

8
TOP OBSERVATIONS

Penthouse Open Terrace: Protection of Person from Lightning Strikes

Air-Finial

Photo 2

Photo 1

Open Terrace with Swimming Pool without protection 9

Protection using Air-Finials
Before After
TOP OBSERVATIONS

Open Terrace - Protection of Person from Lightning Strikes

Open Terrace : Protection From Lightning Flashes

Horizontal
Air-termination
Bar

Photo 2

Photo 1

Open Terrace Protection using Angle Method

10
Before After
TOP OBSERVATIONS

Landed House Open Terrace - Protection From Lightning Strikes

Air-Finial

Air-Finial

Photo 1 Photo 2

Protection using Air-Terminal Rods

TOP OBSERVATIONS

Penthouse - Protection of Person from Lightning Strikes

Air-Finial

Insulated
Bonding
Aluminium Aluminium Tape
Tape
Photo 1 Photo 2

Before After

Open Terrace Protection using Rolling

Sphere
and Angle Method
12
TOP OBSERVATIONS

Open Balcony – Conceal Bonding Tape for Protection From Touch Voltage

Concealed
Copper Tape
Concealed

Exposed
Copper Tape
Photo 2

Photo 1

1. Exposed equipotential bonding of metal railing and 2. Rectification works to minimize exposure of lightning conductor by contractor
reinforcement bar of parapet wall

To conceal lightning tape in habitable area

TOP OBSERVATIONS

Air-termination – Tape should be laid near to edges of the roof parapet wall

Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4

Before After Before After

Modification works to relocate tape near edges of roof parapet wall

14
TOP OBSERVATIONS

Air-termination – Tape should be laid near to edges of the roof parapet wall

Photo 3
Photo 1
Photo 2

Before After

Modification works to relocate tape near edges of roof parapet wall

15
TOP OBSERVATIONS

Open Car Park - Protection of Person from Lightning Strikes

Air-termination
Rod

Photo 2

Photo 1

Open Roof Car Park Protection using Angle Method 16

Before After
TOP OBSERVATIONS

Concerns of Residents

Open Terrace : Lightning Tape

Air-termination
Air-termination Tape
Tape

Photo 1 Photo 2

Concern : Within reach of residents in a habitable area

17
TOP OBSERVATIONS

Tape and Air-Termination Rod to be mounted near to highest point of roof edges and corner of building

Lightning Strike To Corners of Buildings

Corner

Air-Termination Rod
too far from highest
point of common party
wall

Corner

Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3

Damages caused by lightning strike

TOP OBSERVATIONS

Tape and Air-Termination Rod to be mounted near to highest point of roof edges and corner of building

Lightning Strike To Corners of Buildings

Lightning Strike To Corners of Buildings

Corner Air-Termination
Rod

Photo 1 Photo 2

Protection using Air Finial

Open Roof Corner (Protection Angle Method) 19

Before After
TOP OBSERVATIONS

Aluminium will corrode when embedded in concrete. Close tight fitting insulating sleeve should be used as
protection against corrosion.

Down Conductor

Aluminium
Tape

Bare
Aluminium
Tape
Aluminium
Tape in Pipe

Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4

Aluminium Tape in Concrete

TOP OBSERVATIONS

LPS Components

LPS Component Specification & Test (IEC 62561 series)

Passed Square Round

Failed

Copper coated earth rod must come with at least a coating of 250µm of Round Test Clamp should be used instead of Square Clamp for Test Link Corrosion due to copper tape in
copper contact with aluminum
Part 2 : CONSEQUENCES

BCA takes a serious view over non-compliances of Lightning

Protection System found during TOP Inspection.

TOP will not be granted until all non-compliances are rectified and
installed in accordance to the Code.

QP should conduct more regular inspections during construction

stage to minimize non-compliances and rectify early before TOP
Inspection.

22
Part 2 : CONSEQUENCES

BCA Act & Regulations

Nos BCA Act & Regulations
Part 1 Act
1 Section 9
Duties of Qualified Person

Section 43A
Furnishing documents false in a material particular

Part 2 Regulations
1 Regulation 26
Compliances with design and construction requirements

Regulation 50
Penalty

23
Part 3 LPS Design - Good Practices

Open Roof Terrace & Swimming Pool

Protection From Lightning Strikes

Beam &
Shaft

Air-terminal Rod

Trellis
Landscapee

Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4

Protection using Overhead Structure, Trellis, Air-Terminal Rod and Landscape

TOP OBSERVATIONS – Good Practices

Examples - Open Playground & Hardcourt

Protection From Lightning Strikes & Injuries from Touch & Step Voltage

Landscape as Barrier Shelter

Protection of Playground & Hardcourt (SS555:2018)

 Trends in building design with open roof amenities

 Small defined spaces where full protection can be provided.

 Lamp Poles, Shelter and surrounding Flats

Roof Top Amenities L 1 Amenities
TOP OBSERVATIONS – Good Practices

Open Multi-Storey Car Park

Protection From Lightning Strikes

Rolling Sphere Air-Terminal

Ramp Radius = 45m

Protection Coverage
Established
By Ramp
Pole

LPS Warning Sign

Protection using Air-Terminal Poles
TOP OBSERVATIONS – Good Practices

Open Swimming Pool

Swimming Pool - Protection of Person from Lightning Strikes

Sign

Tower
Block
Photo 1
Do not stay in the pool
Protection during
Coverage
lightning/thunderstorm
By
Tall Building

Photo 3 Photo 3

Photo 2 Protection from nearby buildings

27
TOP OBSERVATIONS – Good Practices

Provision of trellis for roof top M&E Services

Protection of M&E Fixtures against lightning strike

Trellis

M&E

M&E

Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3

Protection using Overhead Trellis

28
TOP OBSERVATIONS – Good Practices

Signs, Annexe E & Photos

Welding & Clamping to steel-reinforcing rods Bonding conductor for reinforced precast concrete

LPS Air-termination Network for

Complicated Structure

LPS Warning Signs shall be provided at entrances to both habitable and

non-habitable open roof spaces to draw attention to the danger of Annexe E is converted from Informative to Normative. It contains good Photos and Test Record of
lightning strike from approaching and during thunderstorm. engineering solutions that can be adopted by industry. concealed LPS works
TOP OBSERVATIONS – Good Practices

Protection of vertical sides of high rise buildings.

Metallic Façade As Air-Terminal

Protection is Required 48m

Metallic
Metallic Facade
Facade

Metallic
Facade

Protection using metallic façade as air-terminal

TOP OBSERVATIONS – Good Practices

Down Conductor – Acceptable Installations

Exposed Concealed
Exposed Tape Exposed Tape Rebar
Tape
Bi-Connector Bi-Connector Bi-Connector
Test Link

Tape in Pipe 1.5m

(100KV / 1.2/50us)
Concealed
2.5m 2.5m 2.5m Tape

Exposed Tape Concealed

Tape

Earth Pit
Earth Pit Earth Pit
1 2 3 4

Legends
concealed copper tape
concealed rebar
TOP OBSERVATIONS – Good Practices

Air-termination System Installation – 50mm

Air-termination installed near edges of parapet wall (Non-Habitable Space)

TOP OBSERVATIONS

Protection of vertical sides of high rise buildings down to 45m.

Protection Against Side Flashes to Vertical Side of Building

Strike
Pads
Concealed
Air-
Termination

(Steel
Rebar)
Concealed
Steel Rebar

2. Details of Concealed Steel 3. Location of strike Pad should be located at

1. Elevation Plans showing
Rebar & Strike Pad. Exposed Protruding Balconies to intercept lightning.
strike pads installed on
air-termination provide better
vertical sides of Building Legends
efficiency in interception of
lightning. Strike Pad Strike
Concealed Steel Rebar Pads
Protection using strike pads and concealed rebar as air-termination system Strike Pad
TOP OBSERVATIONS

Location of Air-Finial

Air-Finial at Pitch of Common Party Wall

Lightning Strike

Air-Finial

Air-terminal should be placed at highest point of building structure

Complex Projects

Air-Termination & Down Conductor Installation

Project Parties for Design Engagement

1. Developer 2. Architect

Photo 3
2. Electrical 4. Structural Irregular Shapes
Engr Engr

Photo 1

Direct Path For Down Conductor

Photo 4
Photo 2

Open Balcony Staggered Open Terrace

Part 4 : Circular & TOP Submission Circular 1 Reference : BCA BC 15.0.3 @ 31 Dec 2010

ADOPTION OF NEW SINGAPORE STANDARD SS555:2010-CODE OF

PRACTICE FOR PROTECTION AGAINST LIGHTNING

• Clause L on Lightning Protection System

Approved Document • Fifth Schedule of the Building Control
Regulation

• From 1 July 2011, developments whose

Effective Date building plans are submitted on or after
this date

• Minimum Class 3 Lightning Protection

Highlights Level
• Lightning protection at roof top garden

Reminder
Protection also include open terrace, garden, amenities to avoid any TOP delays.
36
Part 4 : Circular & TOP Submission Circular 1 Reference : BCA BC 15.0.3 @ 31 Dec 2010

LPS CIRCULAR 1

37
Part 4 : Circular & TOP Submission Circular 2 Reference : BCA BC 15.0.3 @ 30 Jan 2014

SUBMISSION OF AS-BUILT PLANS AND COMMISSIONING TEST REPORTS

FOR LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM AT APPLICATION FOR
TEMPORARY OCCUPATION PERMIT (TOP) OR CERTIFICATE OF
STATUTORY COMPLETION (CSC)

• As-Built Plans
LPS Submission
• Commissioning Test Report

• From 1 April 2014, LPS submission will

Effective Date be required prior to grant of TOP/CSC.

Reminder
To finalize the as-built plans, commissioning report and submit early, where
possible, to avoid any TOP delays.
38
Part 4 : Circular & TOP Submission Circular 2 Reference : BCA BC 15.0.3 @ 30 Jan 2014

CIRCULAR 2

39
Part 4 : TOP Submission Circular 2 Reference : BCA BC 15.0.3 @ 31 Jan 2014

1. What need to be submitted for LPS ?

2. What are As-built Plans and Commissioning Test Report ?

• Air-Termination Plan
• Earth Pit Plan
As-Built Plans • Equipotential Plan, Down Conductor & Test Link
• Elevation Plan [Open spaces and tall building > 48m]

• Earth Pit Resistance Measurement

• Overall Earth Resistance Measurement
Commissioning Test Report • Electrical Continuity Measurement
• Rebar used as down conductor [For concealed down conductor]

40
Part 4 : Circular & TOP Submission Circular 3 Reference : APPBCA-2018-09 @ 31 Oct 2018

ADOPTION OF NEW SINGAPORE STANDARD SS555:2018 – CODE OF

PRACTICE FOR PROTECTION AGAINST LIGHTNING

SS555:2018 • Adoption of SS555:2018

CSC03 & Test Form • Standardization of Forms

Effective Date • 1 May 2019

41
Part 4 : Circular & TOP Submission Circular 3 Reference : APPBCA-2018-09 @ 31 Oct 2018

CIRCULAR 3

Note :
 Design & Supervision PE can be the same person.

42
Part 4 : Circular & TOP Submission Circular 3 Reference : APPBCA-2018-09 @ 31 Oct 2018

CIRCULAR 3

43
Part 5 : SS:555:2018

ENTERPRISE SINGAPORE LAUNCHED THE STANDARD ON 29 AUGUST 2018

Enterprise Infoline

1. Tel : (65) 6898 1800

2. Email : enquiry@enterprisesg.gov.sg
44
Part 5 : SS:555:2018
1. What are some of the main changes ?
1. Open Habitable Roof Spaces
Use of overhead structures such as
trellis, higher surrounding structures, etc
Examples are penthouse, amenities,
garden and multi-storey carpark.
SS555:2018
3. Vicinity of Lightning
Conductor
Exposed tape and down conductor shall
not be located within easy reach of
users of habitable space.
2. Corner & Edges of Roof
Metal covering shall be provided at
corners and edges of tall building
(H≥45m) for protection from direct
lightning strike. For structures less than
45m, suitable finials should be provided
at exposed corners.
4. Equipotential Bonding of
Steel Structure
Equipotential bonding of steel structure
between floor and column rebar to
exposed metal railings and window
frames, etc to reduce step and touch
voltage to a tolerable value.
45
THINGS TO LOOK OUT DURING DESIGN & TOP

1. What are some of the main changes in SSS555:2018?

5. LPS Sign 6. Annex E

Entrances to habitable and non- Convert Annex E from Informative to
habitable maintenance roof spaces. Normative. Good engineering solutions
for the design, installation and
maintenance of LPS.

SS555:2018
7. Aluminum Tape On 8. Documentation of LPS Works
Calcareous Building Surface during Construction
Mitigation measures such as closer Foundation earth resistance, photos of
saddles, bigger conducting tape, more concealed LPS works , etc to be
regular inspection, etc documented.

46
Part 5 : SS:555:2018

2. Some new clauses in SS555:2018 under Annex ZA : National Differences

8.3.2 Designated protected zone
When identifying the open areas for lightning protection, the size of the open spaces, the number of people using these spaces and the
frequency of usage will be considered. Based on these considerations, three types of designated areas have been identified.

Type A: Small defined open spaces where full protection can be provided. Some examples of these include playgrounds and hard courts in
residential estates.

Type B: Open habitable roof spaces where people are regularly present and where full protection can be provided. Some examples of these
are:

- penthouse open terrace;

- roof gardens;
- roof multi-storey car parks;
- roof amenities such as sport facilities, swimming pools, café, etc.

Type C: Large open spaces where full protection is not practicable. Some examples of these are:

- school fields;
- public parks;
- beaches;
- golf courses;
- vacant lands used for ad-hoc activities such as fun fairs, trade fairs, etc.
47
Part 5 : SS:555:2018

2. Some new clauses in SS555:2018 under Annex ZA : National Differences

8.3.4 For Type B open spaces where people are regularly present and full protection can be provided, LPS design for the protection of
people against direct lightning strikes and injuries from electric shock due to touch and step voltages shall be adopted to reduce the hazard
to a tolerable level.

The LPS design may use overhead protection structures in the form of trellis, higher surrounding structures, lightning rods or catenary wires
to ensure such habitable open spaces fall within protected zones established by the air termination where applicable.

The use of natural air-termination components, such as metallic fences, lighting masts, etc. can also be made. The height of the air-
termination systems shall take into account a person’s height allowance of 2.5 m along with the necessary separation distances (see also
Figure E.3).

Adequate insulation of exposed lightning conductors or concealment within structures shall be considered in the design to reduce the
potential touch voltage hazards to a tolerable level.

Equipotential bonding of steel rebar within reinforced concrete slab with LPS to prevent dangerous step voltages shall be considered in the
design to reduce the potential step voltage hazard to a tolerable level.

If nothing of this kind is available, a localised lightning detection and warning device should also be provided to alert users of approaching
storms. In conjunction, signs shall be provided at entrances drawing attention to the danger of lightning strikes during inclement weather.
People should stop all outdoor activities and seek shelter in a substantial building or metal bodied hard-top vehicle.

48
Part 5 : SS:555:2018

2. Some new clauses in SS555:2018 under Annex ZA : National Differences

8.4 Additional measures for habitable rooftop spaces (e.g. roof gardens, penthouse terraces)

8.4.1 Exposed metal fixtures such as railings, staircases, windows, antennae and M&E services (e.g. ducts, pipes, cable containments)
fall under 3 categories:

a) Metal fixtures which do not fall within the protected zones of the air-termination systems: These should be connected to the LPS as part
of the LPS.

a) Metal fixtures which fall within the protected zones of the air-termination systems but not within the requirements of separation distances
(clause 6.3): These should be bonded to the LPS.

c) Metal fixtures which fall within the protected zones of the air-termination systems and the requirements of separation distances (clause
6.3). These should not be bonded to the LPS but should be bonded to the floor rebars of the structure.

8.4.2 Where the LPS consists of an isolated external system and which does not use natural components of the structure, the LPS
design should ensure that air termination elements and conductors of the LPS such as exposed lightning protection tapes and down-
conductors, are not located within easy reach of users of these habitable rooftop spaces. Where building design poses constraints, insulation
of exposed lightning tape should be provided to prevent direct user contact. Signs shall be provided near conductors drawing attention to the
risks of side flashes and electric shock due to touch and step voltages during lightning strikes to a LPS.

49
Part 5 : SS:555:2018

2. Some new clauses in SS555:2018 under Annex ZA : National Differences

8.5 LPS Signs

8.5.1 LPS Warning Signs (minimum size of 210mm by 297mm) shall be provided at entrances to habitable and non-habitable
maintenance roof spaces to draw attention to the danger of lightning strikes from approaching and during thunderstorm.

50
Part 5 : SS:555:2018

2. Some new clauses in SS555:2018 under Annex ZA : National Differences

8.6 Protection of corners and edges of flat roofs and parapet walls of tall buildings
8.6.1 Lightning strikes at corners and edges of flat roofs and parapet walls of tall buildings in Singapore are common even though LPS
are provided. This may cause injury to persons due to spalling concrete falling from heights. Conductive metal covering shall be provided at
exposed corners of concrete structures of 45m and above to allow lightning current to be diverted through the down conductor system to the
earth termination system. For structures below 45m in lieu of metal capping, suitable finials should be provided at exposed corners.

Equipotential bonding of the metallic covering to the roof air termination system and the rebars of the concrete structure shall be effected at
intervals not greater than the separation requirements of the down conductors. This is to prevent sparking between the metallic covering and
the rebars. The minimum thickness of metal cover shall be in accordance to Table 3 for such an application.

The installation of the metallic coverings and air finials to the roof air termination system shall be designed and installed to withstand
wind loading in accordance with Eurocode 3:1993 Design of Steel Structures and Eurocode 9:1999 Design of Aluminium Structures.

Explanation : Addresses local requirements and how roof air-termination system should be secured and installed.

Convert Annex E from Informative to Normative.

Explanation: It contains good engineering solutions for the design, construction, maintenance and inspection of LPS that can be adopted by
the industries

51
Part 5 : SS:555:2018

2. Some new clauses in SS555:2018 under Annex ZA : National Differences

E.5.6.2.2 Paragraph 5:
While aluminium tapes are not disallowed for mandatory compliance, it is advised that aluminium tapes should not be attached directly to
calcareous building surfaces such as concrete, limestone and plaster as this may hasten the corrosion of the aluminium tape. Additionally, bare
aluminium tapes shall not be embedded with concrete elements of the building and in earth, except if these are completely sleeved with a
durable, close-fitting insulating sleeve.

As a precaution, mitigation measures in the LPS design shall be taken to prevent the direct contact of the aluminium tape with bare calcareous
building surfaces as far as possible, such as with the use of saddles at closer intervals or painting of the surfaces. Alternatively, it is advised that
potential corrosion effects may be reduced through increases in material size, using corrosion resistant components, or taking other corrosion
protection measures. In such cases, during the lifecycle of the building, more regular inspection intervals of the LPS than the recommended
intervals required may be implemented to ensure the continued integrity of the LPS.

Explanation: Addresses local requirements because aluminium tapes are used widely in local industry practice as LPS conductors in air-
termination and down conductor systems.

52
Part 5 : SS:555:2018

2. Some new clauses in SS555:2018 under Annex ZA : National Differences

E.7.1, Para 3 Replace paragraph 3 with:
During installation of the LPS, especially during installation of components which are concealed in the structure and
will become inaccessible. Photographs of all concealed equipotential bonding between metal fixtures, steel rebars of
concrete and LPS shall be documented. Some examples of metal fixtures include railings, windows and façades.

Insert the following at paragraph 3:

- During the installation, the earthing resistance of the foundation earth electrodes of an interconnected earth
electrode system must be recorded.

Explanation: Addresses documentation of LPS works during installation.

E.7.2.5, Para 3 Insert the following after paragraph 3:

- The LPS inspection report shall be endorsed by a lightning protection specialist who shall be a Professional
Engineer (Electrical) registered with Professional Engineer Board.

Explanation: Addresses local requirements.

53
Part 6 : LPS Design – Separation Distance

6.3.1 General
Electrical insulation between the air-termination or the down-conductor and the structural metal parts, the metal installations and the internal
systems can be achieved by providing a separation distance, s, between the parts. The general equation for the calculation of s is given by:

S = ( Ki / Km )× Kc × l (m)

where
ki depends on the selected class of LPS (see Table 10);
km depends on the electrical insulation material (see Table 11);
kc depends on the (partial) lightning current flowing on the air-termination and the down-conductor(see Table 12 and Annex C);
l is the length, in metres, along the air-termination and the down-conductor from the point where the separation distance is to be
considered, to the nearest equipotential bonding point or the earth termination (see E.6.3 of Annex E).

NOTE The length l along the air-termination can be disregarded in structures with continuous metal roof acting as natural air-termination
system.

Table 10 – Isolation of external LPS – Values of coefficient ki Table 11 – Isolation of external LPS – Values of coefficient km Table 12 – Isolation of external LPS – Approximated values of coefficient kc

Class of LPS ki Material km Number of down-conductors

kc
I 0,08 Air 1 n
II 0,06 1 (only in case of an isolated LPS) 1
Concrete, bricks, wood 0,5
III and IV 0,04 2 0,66
NOTE 1 When there are several insulating materials in series, it is a 3 and more 0,44
good practice to use the lower value for km. NOTE Values of Table 12 apply for all type B earthing arrangements and
for type A earthing arrangements, provided that the earth resistance of
NOTE 2 In using other insulating materials, construction guidance and
neighbouring earth electrodes do not differ by more than a factor of 2. If
the value of km should be provided by the manufacturer.
the earth resistances of single earth electrodes differ by more than a factor
of 2, kc = 1 is to be assumed.
Part 6 : LPS Design – Touch Voltage

8 Protection measures against injury to living beings due to touch and step voltages

8.1 Protection measures against touch voltages

In certain conditions, the vicinity of the down-conductors of an LPS, may be hazardous to life even if the LPS has been designed and
constructed according to the above-mentioned requirements.

The hazard is reduced to a tolerable level if one of the following conditions is fulfilled:
a) under normal operation conditions there are no persons within 3 m from the down-conductors;
b) a system of at least 10 down-conductors complying with 5.3.5 is employed;
c) the contact resistance of the surface layer of the soil, within 3 m of the down-conductor, is not less than 100 kΩ.

NOTE A layer of insulating material, e.g. asphalt, of 5 cm thickness (or a layer of gravel 15 cm thick) generally reduces the hazard to a
tolerable level.

If none of these conditions is fulfilled, protection measures shall be adopted against injury to living beings due to touch voltages as follows:

– insulation of the exposed down-conductor is provided giving a 100 kV, 1,2/50 μs impulse withstand voltage, e.g. at least 3 mm cross-
linked polyethylene;

– physical restrictions and/or warning notices to minimize the probability of down-conductors being touched.

Protection measures shall conform to the relevant standards (see ISO 3864-1).

Note : Nation Differences

8.1 (b) a system of at least 10 natural down conductors complying with 5.3.5 is employed.
Part 6 : LPS Design – Step Voltage

8.2 Protection measures against step voltages

In certain conditions, the vicinity of the down-conductors may be hazardous to life even if the LPS has been designed and constructed
according to the above-mentioned rules.

The hazard is reduced to a tolerable level if one of the following conditions is fulfilled:
a) under normal operation conditions there are no persons within 3 m from the down-conductors;
b) a system of at least 10 down-conductors complying with 5.3.5 is employed;
c) the contact resistance of the surface layer of the soil, within 3 m of the down-conductor, is not less than 100 kΩ.

NOTE A layer of insulating material, e.g. asphalt, of 5 cm thickness (or a layer of gravel 15 cm thick) generally reduces the hazard to
a tolerable level.

If none of these conditions is fulfilled, protection measures shall be adopted against injury to living beings due to step voltages as
follows:
- equipotentialization by means of a meshed earth-termination system;
- physical restrictions and/or warning notices to minimize the probability of access to the dangerous area, within 3 m of the down-
conductor.

Protection measures shall conform to the relevant standards (see ISO 3864-1).

Note : For more details on LPS Design, please refer to SS555:2018 Part 1 to Part 4
Part 7 : LPS Components (Tested to IEC62561 series)

LPS Components

 Components of LPS shall withstand the electromagnetic effects of lightning

current, environmental conditions and predictable accidental stresses without
being damaged.

 Components of an LPS shall comply with the requirements and tests in

accordance to IEC 62561 series.
Part 7 : LPS Components (Tested to IEC62661 series)

IEC 62561 Series

 Part 1 LPSC – Requirements for connection components

 Part 2 LPSC – Requirements for conductors and earth electrodes

 Part 3 LPSC – Requirements for isolating sparks gaps

 Part 4 LPSC – Requirements for conductor fasteners

 Part 5 LPSC – Requirements for earth electrode inspection housings and earth electrode seals

 Part 6 LPSC – Requirements for lightning strike counters

 Part 7 LPSC – Requirements for earthing enhancing compounds

Part 7 : LPS Components (Tested to IEC62661 series)

LPS Components

Material Specification & Component Test (IEC 62561 series)

Environmental & Current Test Environmental & Stress Test

 Project parties for Design Engagement
1. Developer 2. Architect

2. Electrical 4. Structural
Engr Engr

Q&A